Identifying bridge structural condition development trends via categorical inspection condition rating with case studies

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 449-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Wang ◽  
G. Foliente
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Structural Condition ◽  
Development Trends ◽  
Condition Rating ◽  
Inspection Condition

scholarly journals Lumped damage mechanics as a diagnosis tool of reinforced concrete structures in service: case studies of a former bridge arch and a balcony slab

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (58) ◽  
pp. 21-32
Author(s):  
Rafael Cunha ◽  
Camila Vieira ◽  
David Amorim
Keyword(s):  
Reinforced Concrete ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Damage Mechanics ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Concrete Structures ◽  
Structural Condition ◽  
Numerical Analyses ◽  
Engineering Practice ◽  
Reinforced Concrete Structures ◽  
Diagnosis Tool

Reinforced concrete structures may need repair in order to ensure the designed durability. Such necessity vary in cause and effect, but the structural diagnosis serves as the basis for adopting intervention measures. The assessment of the structural condition usually is made in loco, but sometimes numerical analyses are required as a low cost and effective preliminary diagnosis. In general, numerical analyses use hundreds or thousands of finite elements and nonlinear theories that are not often used in engineering practice. As an alternative, lumped damage mechanics (LDM) uses key concepts of classic fracture and damage mechanics in plastic hinges throughout well-known quantities such as ultimate moment and cracking moment. Such theory describes the concrete cracking by a damage variable, which can be used as a diagnosis criterion. Therefore, this paper presents LDM as a diagnosis tool to analyse actual structures. The case studies presented in this paper are a former bridge arch tested in China and a balcony that collapsed in Brazil. The results show that LDM numerical response of those structures are quite close to laboratory observations (former bridge arch) and in loco measurements (balcony).

scholarly journals Support tools to predict the critical structural condition of uninspected pipes for case studies of Germany and Colombia

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 794-802 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie Hernández ◽  
Nicolas Caradot ◽  
Hauke Sonnenberg ◽  
Pascale Rouault ◽  
Andrés Torres
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Asset Management ◽  
Structural Condition ◽  
Strategic Investment ◽  
Sewer Pipes ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
Deviation Analysis ◽  
Management Objectives ◽  
The One ◽  
Different Characteristics

Abstract Several deterioration models have been used to predict the structural condition of sewer pipes, and some have been applied in different cities in the world. However, each one of these models has not been proved simultaneously for case studies with different characteristics (topographic conditions, soil uses, demographic growth, utilities' service operation and city's dynamic) and the use of their predictions have not been analyzed to support different management objectives. Therefore, the objective of this work was to assess the prediction results of two models (based on Logistic Regression and Random Forest (RF) methods), which previously have been identified as successful in other experiences, for two different case studies (a city in Colombia and a city in Germany). The prediction assessment was carried out by three analysis techniques (Positive Likelihood Rate (PLR) index, performance curve and deviation analysis). According to the results, we found that: (i) the model based on RF was the one that could be useful as a support tool in the sewer asset management of both case studies; (ii) for the German city, the prediction results could be useful for designing strategic investment plans in order to know the number of pipes that the utility should rehabilitate each year; and (iii) for the Colombian city, the predictions are appropriate to make decisions concerning inspection or rehabilitation plans, since the probability of identifying the sewer's assets in critical condition (C4) correctly (according to the analysis of the sample of the 10% of sewers with the highest probability to be in this condition) is around 63% and could be 83% if the stakeholders also consider in these plans the misclassification of those pipes in a bad structural condition (C3).

scholarly journals Comparative Review of Corporate Social Responsibility of Energy Utilities and Sustainable Energy Development Trends in the Baltic States

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 3417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu ◽  
Ren ◽  
Yao ◽  
Qiao ◽  
Strielkowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Energy Development ◽  
Baltic States ◽  
Development Trends ◽  
Comparative Review ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
Energy Utilities

This paper aims at developing the theoretical framework for linking the CSR of energy utilities with sustainable energy development achievements and at applying this framework in selected countries. The main issues of CSR relevant to the energy sector are discussed, and a comparative analysis of CSR reports of energy utilities and sustainable energy development trends in the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia) is performed based on the developed framework. There are three main interlinked sustainable energy development targets: increase in energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy sources, and GHG emission reduction. The significance of CSR in the energy sector is underlined based on the literature review, and the state policies to promote CSR in the energy sector are discussed and critically assessed based on the case studies of three Baltic States. The CSR practices of energy utilities of the Baltic States were assessed and compared with sustainable energy development achievements in these countries, based on the analysis of sustainable energy development trends. Estonia achieved the best results in approaching all sustainable energy development targets and was ranked with the highest scores in CSR ranking among the Baltic States, followed by Lithuania. The results of the case studies demonstrate that the Baltic countries have achieved different results in sustainable energy development progress, and the role of energy utilities and their corporate sustainability practices may have huge impacts on the achievement of sustainable energy development targets.

A Study on the Usage of Material Aesthetics in Car Design

2012 ◽  
Vol 251 ◽  
pp. 469-475
Author(s):  
Li Ming Fu ◽  
Ming Yang Sun
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Automobile Industry ◽  
Present Status ◽  
Materials Science ◽  
Typical Case ◽  
Material Research ◽  
Development Trends

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the aesthetics of material is applied to car design. Based on a series of current material research with substantive examples, the paper will encourage car designers to be more experimental in their choice of materials and designs. It covers four physiologically sections including visual, tactile, auditory, and olfactory perceptions of materials. In addition, four typical case studies will showcase the present status and development trends of materials science within the automobile industry.

Comparison of the inspector and rating protocol uncertainty influence in the condition rating of sewers

2013 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 862-867 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Sousa ◽  
F. M. Ferreira ◽  
I. Meireles ◽  
N. Almeida ◽  
J. Saldanha Matos
Keyword(s):  
Asset Management ◽  
National Research Council ◽  
Structural Condition ◽  
Present Communication ◽  
Sewer System ◽  
Sources Of Uncertainty ◽  
Periodic Inspection ◽  
Condition Rating ◽  
Close Circuit Television ◽  
The Difference

Wastewater drainage systems asset management decisions, in particular regarding rehabilitation interventions, are largely dependent on close-circuit television (CCTV) inspection results. However, the results of CCTV inspections are affected by several sources of uncertainty. Within the present communication, the inspector's uncertainty is quantified by comparing periodic inspection reports from three trunk sewers of a Portuguese sewer system. The inspections were carried out by the same experienced inspector using the same equipment. Therefore, the uncertainties from the lack of experience and the difference of the inspector and equipment were ruled out. The protocol uncertainty is also quantified comparing the results obtained with the Water Research Center (WRc) and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) protocols condition ratings. Both operational and structural condition rating were analysed, but emphasis was given to the later since it dictates the repair and replacement interventions.

scholarly journals A Hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision Making Model for Defect-Based Condition Assessment of Railway Infrastructure

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7186
Author(s):  
Laith El-khateeb ◽  
Eslam Mohammed Abdelkader ◽  
Abobakr Al-Sakkaf ◽  
Tarek Zayed
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Relative Weight ◽  
Analytic Network Process ◽  
Structural Condition ◽  
Condition Assessment ◽  
Geometrical Condition ◽  
Track Geometry ◽  
Railway Infrastructure ◽  
Network Process ◽  
Order Preference

The condition of railway infrastructure, such as rails, ballasts and sleepers, should always be monitored and analyzed to ensure ride safety and quality for both passengers and freight. It is hard to assess the condition of railway infrastructure due to the existence of various components. The existing condition assessment models are mostly limited to only assess track geometry conditions and structural condition of the railway infrastructure. Therefore, the present research develops a defect-based structural and geometrical condition model of railway infrastructure. The defects of each component are identified and examined through literature and experts in the field. Two main inputs are used to develop the model: (1) the relative weight of importance for components, defects and their categories and (2) defects severities. To obtain the relative weights, the analytic network process (ANP) technique is adopted. Fuzzy logic is used to unify all the different defect criteria and to interpret the linguistic condition assessment grading scale to a numerical score. Hence, the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is used to integrate both weights and severities to determine the railway infrastructure condition. The developed model gives a detailed condition of the railway infrastructure by representing a three-level condition state, for defect categories, components and an overall railway infrastructure. The developed model is implemented to five case studies from Ontario, Canada. The developed model is validated by comparing its results with the real case studies results, which shows similar results, indicating the robustness of the developed model. This model helps in minimizing the inaccuracy of railway condition assessment through the application of severity, uncertainty mitigation and robust aggregation

Corporate Sustainability: Challenge to Managerial Orthodoxies

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dexter Dunphy
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Corporate Sustainability ◽  
Central Place ◽  
Marked Contrast ◽  
Sustainability Management

ABSTRACTThis paper addresses the issue of corporate sustainability. It examines why achieving sustainability is becoming an increasingly vital issue for society and organisations, defines sustainability and then outlines a set of phases through which organisations can move to achieve increasing levels of sustainability. Case studies are presented of organisations at various phases indicating the benefits, for the organisation and its stakeholders, which can be made at each phase. Finally the paper argues that there is a marked contrast between the two competing philosophies of neo-conservatism (economic rationalism) and the emerging philosophy of sustainability. Management schools have been strongly influenced by economic rationalism, which underpins the traditional orthodoxies presented in such schools. Sustainability represents an urgent challenge for management schools to rethink these traditional orthodoxies and give sustainability a central place in the curriculum.

Short-Form Application of the Screening Test of Spanish Grammar and the Northwestern Syntax Screening Test to Latino Children

1978 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 220-235
Author(s):  
David L. Ratusnik ◽  
Carol Melnick Ratusnik ◽  
Karen Sattinger
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Metropolitan Area ◽  
Screening Test ◽  
Normative Data ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Latino Children ◽  
Data Application ◽  
York Metropolitan Area ◽  
Multiple Regression Technique

Short-form versions of the Screening Test of Spanish Grammar (Toronto, 1973) and the Northwestern Syntax Screening Test (Lee, 1971) were devised for use with bilingual Latino children while preserving the original normative data. Application of a multiple regression technique to data collected on 60 lower social status Latino children (four years and six months to seven years and one month) from Spanish Harlem and Yonkers, New York, yielded a small but powerful set of predictor items from the Spanish and English tests. Clinicians may make rapid and accurate predictions of STSG or NSST total screening scores from administration of substantially shortened versions of the instruments. Case studies of Latino children from Chicago and Miami serve to cross-validate the procedure outside the New York metropolitan area.

Case Studies for Telepractice in AAC

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya Rose Curtis
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Eye Gaze ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Computer Experience ◽  
Access Methods ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
Barriers To Service ◽  
Communication Needs

As the field of telepractice grows, perceived barriers to service delivery must be anticipated and addressed in order to provide appropriate service delivery to individuals who will benefit from this model. When applying telepractice to the field of AAC, additional barriers are encountered when clients with complex communication needs are unable to speak, often present with severe quadriplegia and are unable to position themselves or access the computer independently, and/or may have cognitive impairments and limited computer experience. Some access methods, such as eye gaze, can also present technological challenges in the telepractice environment. These barriers can be overcome, and telepractice is not only practical and effective, but often a preferred means of service delivery for persons with complex communication needs.

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